Summer is well on its way so here’s our top tips for getting it ready for those lazy days and afternoon BBQs… 

A survey about important places in the home from Worldstores.co.uk has found that the garden is the most popular place in the home for taking family photos, with 43% of people saying that their favourite family photo was taken in their garden.  

With the garden being such an important setting for our family stories, Jen Stanbrook, award winning blogger at interior blog Love Chic Living, has shared her top tips for helping you entertain your friends and family in the garden this summer.

• Ensure you have enough seating for guests, including benches, chairs, and deckchairs plus garden beanbags or picnic rugs for children.

• Position seats in different parts of the garden to help visitors make the most of the outdoors space as they mingle and socialise.

• Create a play area for the children with bark on the ground and a sandpit close by. Give parents and adults somewhere to sit and watch, to keep the little ones safe.

• Make sure there’s enough shade for hot and sunny days. Invest in a parasol or two and move them accordingly throughout the event.

• Conversely, you may want to think about installing a gazebo to protect your guests from inclement weather. This can provide shade and shelter and a handy spot for food and drink ready for serving.

• Don’t be afraid to move furniture around in preparation for a gathering. How you use your garden on a day to day basis might not be quite right for a larger group, so organise tables, chairs and garden equipment accordingly.

• Decorate the garden with bunting, paper garlands, pom-poms and solar lights for the evening. Don’t forget to include some citronella candles to ward away bugs.

Garden furniture to stand the test of time

Rattan furniture is brilliant for hosting special occasions; its elegant look means the furniture works well both indoors and outside (perfect for our unpredictable British summers!) and the material is durable and low maintenance.  Whether you’re hosting an informal party or a major celebration, these three rattan furniture sets will instantly style up your important garden gatherings:

Bring a flavour of France into your home with the Cannes Cube set. The strong geometric design is ideal if you want to make a bold statement, with the set working just as well for an intimate alfresco dinner party as well as for larger events. The chairs neatly slide right under the table, saving you space when the furniture isn’t in use.  (Full set available from £329.99).

Designed to fit most parasol bases, this hexagonal navy parasol from Royal Craft is a smart way to provide a bit of shade and coverage on your lawn or terrace.  Parasols can instantly turn an average garden into a chic outdoor room, and are a great investment as they make a big style impact but don’t cost the earth. (Parasol £24.99, base not included).

Create an instant summer party by hanging out bunting – this cute gingham garland is made from 100% cotton and adds a classic twee British touch.  (12.99 for five metres).